Sportsday - Tuesday's news as is happened

1. Liverpool news conference coming up
2. Real Madrid's Gareth Bale out of Liverpool game
3. Oscar Pistorius sentenced to five years in jail
4. India suspend tours to West Indies

And, like Brendan Rodgers, we're done.

That's it for another Sportsday. Join our live coverage of tonight's Champions League action, then be back with us from tomorrow at 08:00. Goodbye.

Brendan Rodgers news conference

And, to end it all, Rodgers delivered his final answer in Spanish. Nice.

Brendan Rodgers news conference

"Gareth Bale not playing can be an advantage to us, but Real have a fantastic squad.

"Mario Balotelli was disappointed after the weekend. But, the point I highlighted was that he was in the position to miss. It's only a matter of time before he gets his goals."

Brendan Rodgers news conference

"Cristiano Ronaldo is a special talent, arguably the best player in the world at the moment. His record is incredible. We have to make a plan to make sure that we cause them problems, but also prepare for the quality players that they have."

Brendan Rodgers news conference

On Raheem Sterling: "There was probably a lot more made of what happened when he was away with England. He's got wonderful speed and technique. There's no doubt he can produce quality tomorrow evening."

Brendan Rodgers news conference

"The good thing about this group is that we lift ourselves for the big games. We haven't got to the levels of last season yet, but this is a special game and a special competition. I'm very confident that our team will rise to the standards of playing an outstanding Real Madrid team."

Liverpool v Real Madrid

Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard: "I've had a couple of options throughout my career to go to Real, but I've resisted because of the connection I have to Liverpool.

"It may be something I regret and it may have been a challenge, but I would have had more regrets had I left Liverpool."

In the very odd atmosphere of an empty stadium, Manchester City have begun their Champions League game at CSKA Moscow.

After 15 minutes, there's still no score and you can follow live coverage here.

Ferguson autobiography update

Sir Alex Ferguson has defended himself against suggestions his successor David Moyes inherited an "antiquated" structure at Manchester United.

In an update of his 2013 autobiography, the former manager also reacts to claims Moyes was hand-picked by him.

"Antiquated was a bizarre description of the structure I left behind," said Ferguson, who was replaced in 2013.

He added: "There appears to be a view out there that there was no process [appointing Moyes]. Nonsense."

QPR row

More from Tony Fernandes: "We regret these issues being played out in public and both Harry Redknapp and Adel Taarabt have been notified of our disappointment regarding their handling of the situation. I have spoken to them both personally.

"The club's entire focus is now on the Aston Villa fixture next Monday and hopefully after a tough few days we can turn a negative into a positive and build on Sunday's improved display."

Fernandes wades into Redknapp-Taarabt row

QPR chairman Tony Fernandes has issued a statement apologising for the public row between manager Harry Redknapp and midfielder Adel Taarabt.

Taarabt issued pictures of his physique after Redknapp accused him of being "three stone overweight", with Redknapp then responding by saying the Moroccan is "the worst professional I have ever come across".

"As a club, we are fully aware of stories in the press over the last few days regarding Harry Redknapp and Adel Taarabt," said Fernandes.

"On behalf of the club, I would like to apologise to the QPR supporters for the embarrassment this has caused and confirm that the issue has been dealt with internally."

Crewe sign Haynes

League One bottom club Crewe Alexandra have signed Notts County striker Danny Haynes on a month's emergency loan.

The experienced 26-year-old front-man is expected to go straight into the Alex squad for Tuesday night's home date with Peterborough United.

Haynes' arrival follows the signing of fellow forward Febian Brandy from Championship side Rotherham for a further month's loan extension.

Blackburn's Lenihan loaned to Burton

League Two side Burton Albion have signed Republic of Ireland Under-21 international Darragh Lenihan on a month's loan from Blackburn Rovers.

The 20-year-old, who can play in defence or midfield, is available to make his Brewers debut against Carlisle on Tuesday.

Football

Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard: "We have to perform to our maximum to get any kind of result. We have huge respect for them, but it's about how we perform. We know we have to do better."

Perez confident of Force India drive

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Sergio Perez is confident he will drive for Force India again next season.

Force India confirmed on Monday that Perez's team-mate Nico Hulkenberg would again form one half of their driver line-up for 2015.

There was no mention of Perez but the 24-year-old Mexican said: "I think in the next week or so it will be done with (regards to) my future. Getting the deal done is now my main priority."

Gebrselassie out of GB event

Ethiopian distance running legend Haile Gebrselassie has withdrawn from this Sunday's Great South Run.

The 41-year-old was due to make his debut in the event, which is in its 25th year, but setbacks in his training have forced him to pull out.

The news is a double blow for organisers, following the withdrawal of European Championship gold medallist Jo Pavey in the women's race.

McIlroy court case to go ahead

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Golfer Rory McIlroy and his former agent, Dublin-based Horizon Sports Management, have failed to reach agreement in a legal dispute over fees.

The world number one golfer is suing his former agent and two other companies - Gurteen Limited and Canovan Management Services. It is understood to involve a multi-million euros dispute over fees.

The Commercial Court in Dublin heard efforts to resolve the dispute through mediation had been unsuccessful.

The failure of mediation means the case will go to a full hearing next year.

On this day

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On this day in 2007, Kimi Raikkonen won the Brazilian Grand Prix and with it the Formula One drivers' championship.

Britain's Lewis Hamilton finished seventh and missed out on the world title, ending the season one point behind Raikkonen.

A few more...

1998: Midfielder Paul Ince was charged with misconduct by the Football Association for making a V-sign after being sent off while on England duty in Sweden.

2003: Martin Leslie was banned for 12 weeks after being found guilty of kneeing an opponent during Scotland's 39-15 Rugby World Cup win over the United States.

2009: Middlesbrough announced they had sacked Gareth Southgate as manager.

Liverpool press conference

Brendan Rodgers is preparing to face the world's media at 16:30 ahead of Liverpool's Champions League clash against Real Madrid tomorrow at Anfield.

We'll bring you the best bits from the press conference right here.

Celtic keeper back after attack

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Celtic goalkeeper Lukasz Zaluska has returned to training after being attacked in the street.

The Pole, 32, suffered facial injuries in the incident, which happened in Ashton Lane in the city's West End.

But Zaluska took part in Celtic's session at their Lennoxtown training ground earlier today.

Man City team news

An hour to go until Manchester City face CSKA Moscow in a Champions League encounter they dare not lose.

The Blues team to face CSKA is: Hart, Kolarov, Mangala, Kompany (c), Zabaleta, Fernando, Toure, Milner, Silva, Dzeko, Aguero. Subs: Caballero, Clichy, Sagna, Demichelis, Fernandinho, Navas, Jovetic

Frank Lampard misses the game after injuring his thigh in the weekend win over Tottenham.

City have yet to win a game in this year's competition, losing to Bayern Munich and drawing with Roma.

Full coverage of the match on the BBC Sport website.

Brazilian defender suffers stroke

VfL Wolfsburg's Brazilian defender Felipe says he is determined to return to top-flight football, despite revealing that he has suffered a minor stroke.

The 27-year-old says only the quick reactions of Wolfsburg's physio saved his life after he suffered a Transient Ischemic Attack (TIA) while at home in July as he watched a World Cup match.

"I felt dizzy and knew something wasn't right," he told Bild.

Felipe contacted Wolfsburg physio Michele Putaro, who drove straight to the defender's home and raised the alarm.

The player will now take a break from the game, but added: "I am certain that I will return to professional football."

Wozniacki wins endurance test

Caroline Wozniacki has emerged triumphant from that ding-dong of a match at the WTA World Tour Finals in Singapore, beating Maria Sharapova in three sets.

Wozniacki took the decider 6-2 in a match that lasted an exhausting three hours and 14 minutes.

Chelsea duo hope for call-up

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Didier Drogba or Loic Remy will start up front for Chelsea when the Blues face Slovenian champions Maribor at Stamford Bridge tonight.

Drogba has made one start since returning in the summer while Remy, signed from QPR, has started two games.

But one of them could figure because Diego Costa, who has scored nine times, is out with a hamstring injury.

Redknapp hits back in Taarabt row

The feud between Harry Redknapp and his QPR player Adel Taarabt shows no sign of abating any time soon.

After Taarabt defended his fitness following Redknapp's claim that the midfielder was three stone overweight, the Rangers manager has told the Sun that the Moroccan is "the worst professional I have ever come across".

"He is not fit to play a game, that's the truth," said Redknapp.

Ah, there's nothing like a harmonious dressing room.

Not so crowded for Man City

More from BBC Radio 5 live's Alistair Bruce-Ball in Moscow, who tweets: "And apparently this is your attendance for CSKA vs Man City tonight. All going to be a bit weird."

Twitter

High-rise view

The Champions League game between Man City and CSKA Moscow, which kicks off at 17:00, is being played behind-closed-doors after the Russians were punished for a series of offences, including racist chanting.

Twitter

"High-rise tower in background is apparently where City fans have rented flat to watch game from tonight," tweets BBC 5 live's Alistair Bruce-Ball.

Key FA man steps down

FA general secretary Alex Horne is to step down in January after 11 years at the organisation.

The 42-year-old joined the FA as finance director in February 2004 and was managing director of Wembley Stadium, overseeing its completion and opening.

He went on to become chief operating officer in May 2008 before taking over the role of general secretary in May 2010.

All square in Singapore

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There is a cracking match going on at the WTA World Tour Finals in Singapore, where Caroline Wozniacki and Maria Sharapova are slugging it out in what could be a classic.

Wozniacki took the first set 7-6 (7-4) but Sharapova has just levelled matters, taking the second 7-6 (7-5).

Both players are understandably looking weary. Who will rise to the challenge in the third and deciding set? Guess we'll soon find out.

Tennis

Russell Fuller

BBC tennis correspondent

"From next season, players on the WTA tour will be allowed on court access to data which analyses the way they and their opponent are performing.

"They will be able to study shot direction and serve placement from an authorised mobile device during one of the on court coaching consultations introduced in 2008."

Khan to fight Alexander

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Amir Khan is set to confirm a bout against American Devon Alexander in Las Vegas on 13 December as he closes in on a fight with Floyd Mayweather.

Khan, who won a unanimous decision over Luis Collazo in May, had previously agreed to fight Alexander in December 2013 before he withdrew in the belief that he was first in line to face Mayweather.

Sunderland offer fans a refund

Sunderland's players will refund supporters the cost of their match ticket following Saturday's crushing 8-0 defeat at Southampton.

In a statement on the club website, Sunderland skipper John O'Shea said: "We wanted to acknowledge and thank the supporters who travelled such a long way to give us their backing and despite everything, stayed with us until the final whistle."

Goalkeeper Vito Mannone had said immediately after the Saints defeat that he and his team-mates should reimburse the fans who travelled to the game.

MLS to rival Premier League?

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Interesting piece on the BBC website about how Major League Soccer is aiming to compete with the Premier League for top players in the next decade.

Dan Courtemanche, senior vice president of the MLS, said: "One of our goals is to be one of the top leagues in the world by 2022.

"We also want to have world class stars - whether they are from the United Kingdom, throughout Europe, Asia, Latin America."

Thierry Henry, Robbie Keane and Jermain Defoe are among a raft of players already plying their trade Stateside.

Read the full article by BBC Sport's Richard Conway here.

Question of Sport answer

Earlier our Question of Sport team posed the followed question:

Since 2000, Serena Williams has won the WTA Tour Final four times, who are the other seven winners?

The answers... Kim Clijsters, Justine Henin, Martina Hingis, Petra Kvitova, Amelie Mauresmo and Venus Williams.

Hughes' champion jockey treble

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Richard Hughes has effectively been crowned champion jockey for a third time after it emerged Ryan Moore will not be riding in Britain again this season.

Moore led the way in the championship for a large part of the campaign but Hughes has been relentless in his search of winners in recent weeks.

Moore stated some time ago than winning the championship was not a priority for him and that he would be chasing big victories all over the world during the closing weeks of the campaign.

Own goal madness

Quick stat courtesy of Opta: 'At 5%, a higher proportion of goals have been own goals so far than in any previous Premier League season. Blunders'.

'Arsenal result great' - Huddlestone

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Hull midfielder Tom Huddlestone has described Saturday's point at Arsenal as a great result - despite the Tigers conceding an equaliser in time-added-on.

"It was a tough game and we were so close to hanging on for all three points," he told Hull City's website. "But a point away at a team that is fighting for the top four is still a great result nonetheless."

Hull KR sign Boudebza

Hull KR have confirmed the signing of French hooker John Boudebza from Lezignan.

The 24-year-old joins the Robins on a 12-month contract, with the option for a second year at the KC Stadium, and will help plug the gap created by the departure of Josh Hodgson.

Hull KR coach Chris Chester said: "John has impressed in the competition over in France and, from what I've seen of him, I'm positive he can adapt to playing in Super League."

Trimble out with toe injury

Ireland winger Andrew Trimble has been ruled out of the autumn internationals and could miss the Six Nations.

The 30-year-old has suffered ligament damage to his toe and will miss "a period of months" according to his club Ulster.

Cranston signs new Notts County deal

Notts County defender Jordan Cranston has signed a new 18-month contract at Meadow Lane.

The 20-year-old Wolves academy graduate joined the Magpies from Nuneaton in September on a deal until January.

"It's first-team football at the end of the day and I'm delighted to have secured my future," said Cranston.

Technical difficulties

Apologies for the delay in Sportsday Live, the BBC Sport Centre in Salford has just been hit by a power cut.

We're now back with you and ready to go again.

Scarlets suffer Earle blow

South African lock George Earle will miss Scarlets' European Rugby Cup match with Leicester after taking a knock on the head in the 28-18 defeat by Toulon.

But coach Wayne Pivac hopes Wales international full-back Liam Williams will recover from a leg injury in time to face the Tigers.

Centre Regan King is back in training but won't play against Leicester.

"We hope to have him available for selection for next week but definitely not this week," said Pivac.

Scotland without Walker

Scotland will be without prop suspended Jonathan Walker for Saturday's crucial European Championship match against Ireland in Dublin.

The former Castleford and Hull KR forward, who is now with Championship club Leigh, has been given a one-match ban for a high tackle on Morgan Evans during the Bravehearts' opening 42-18 win over Wales in Workington on Friday.

Scotland have decided not to appeal so Walker will miss out the clash with the Wolfhounds, who also won their opening game, but will be free to return for the final group game against France in Galashiels on Friday, October 31.

Man United's team of youngsters

A little stat for you. Manchester United had the second youngest line-up out of all the teams in Europe's big five leagues during the last matchday.

According to research by the CIES Football Observatory, Louis van Gaal's team had an average age of 24.6 years. Only Valencia in La Liga had a younger side at 24.4 years.

At the opposite end of the table, Manchester City fielded the third oldest line-up at 29.3 years. Verona had the oldest side in Europe, with an average age of 31.

Wozniacki up on Sharapova

Caroline Wozniacki has taken the first set 7-6 (7-4) against Maria Sharapova at the WTA World Tour Finals in Singapore.

Both players are making their first appearance in this year's end-of-season tournament.

Gooch wins Lord's accolade

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Graham Gooch's 1990 batting marathon against India has been named the greatest individual performance at Lord's.

The former England captain's two innings scores of 333 not out and 123 won a poll conducted by Lord.org and The Times to mark the bicentenary of the ground.

Gooch's record-breaking aggregate score of 456 received 29% of the vote, ahead of Sir Ian Botham's match-winning all-round display against Pakistan in 1978 (17%) and Sir Don Bradman's 254 in the first innings of the second Ashes Test in 1930 (15%).

India's memorable victory over England in the 2002 NatWest Series Final was named the greatest Lord's match after receiving 35% of the vote.

Robredo through in Spain

Tommy Robredo is through to the second round of the Valencia Open after beating fifth-seeded John Isner 7-6 (3), 6-3.

The Spaniard plays Yen-Hsun Lu of Taiwan next.

Oscar Pistorius reaction

BBC Sport's Richard Conway

An International Association of Athletics Federations (IAAF) spokesman has told BBC Sport they have no comment to make over the eligibility of Oscar Pistorius to compete in their events after serving his jail sentence.

International Olympic Committee sources had intimated that it would be the decision of the IAAF, as the body which organises and is responsible for Olympic track and field events, to make an initial judgement over whether Pistorius should be allowed to run again.

Verona punished for racist chants

Hellas Verona has been ordered to play their next home match in Serie A with one end of their stadium closed because of fan racism.

The Italian league also fined Verona 50,000 euros for racist chants directed at AC Milan and Ghana midfielder Sulley Muntari, plus 3,000 euros for fan insults toward the referee.

I will improve - Luke Shaw

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Luke Shaw has vowed to improve after admitting he is yet to hit top form at Manchester United.

The £27m defender, who had his fitness levels questioned by Reds boss Louis van Gaal, said: "They haven't seen the best of me yet.

"I wouldn't say I've been horrendous but I know I can do much better. And I need to do better.

"I've come to Manchester United and I know what they need. I've been working hard and the performances will come."

Phil Taylor Q&A

Nathan Wellstood: How do you stay motivated after so many years at the top?

Phil Taylor: It's about who you are, your DNA. My mum and dad taught me to get up and put the work it, doing it the best you can. It's not just about me, it's for the other people around me.

Iwan Jones: If you weren't a darts player what would you be?

Phil Taylor: The ceramics place where I worked has been knocked down. I'd probably have been in the building trade, or a decorator.

SFA performance director stands down

Mark Wotte has left his role as Scottish Football Association performance director.

The Dutchman, former manager at Southampton, joined the SFA in June 2011 to oversee the SFA's performance strategy across all age groups.

Sporting birthdays

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Celebrating their birthdays in the sporting world today are former Manchester United, Liverpool and Inter Milan midfielder Paul Ince (47).

He'll be sharing the cake with former Liverpool, Newcastle and Republic of Ireland Kevin Sheedy (55), Australian rugby union legend David Campese (52) and former Manchester United defender Nemanja Vidic (33).

Speedway

Poole Pirates promoter Matt Ford believes the club need a new trophy cabinet after beating Coventry Bees to claim their sixth Elite League title in 11 years.

The Pirates won the second leg 53-37 at Wimborne Road to clinch a 90-71 aggregate victory.

"We genuinely have filled the shelves so we do need to do something, but that's a lovely problem to be in," Ford told BBC Radio Solent.

Phil Taylor Q&A

Ben Spowart: What's it like to walk down to the stage, with the crowd chanting your name?

Phil Taylor: Noisy. It's changed, because the audience is getting younger, louder and brasher.

Niall Bradley: When you first started playing darts, if someone said to you that you would have won hundreds of titles worldwide, what would you have said to them?

Phil Taylor: I would have thought they were nuts. I knew I could win, I knew I had the talent to beat the players that were about then. I had no idea if I could keep it up because I didn't know if darts was going to be any bigger. It was on the decline.

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Champions League build-up

BBC Sport

Looking forward to the Champions League action? Here's something to get you in the mood.

Phil Neville and Mark Lawrenson run the rule over this week's European fixtures involving Manchester City, Chelsea, Liverpool and Arsenal.

They think Liverpool, who host Real Madrid tomorrow, have the toughest task.

Neville says they will need a "famous Anfield night" for any chance of a result, while Lawrenson believes without the injured Daniel Sturridge the Reds will have to "pack the midfield".

Watch what they have to say.

Phil Taylor Q&A

Dianne and John: Of all the matches you have played, which one was the toughest and the best match of all time?

Phil Taylor: The best match was against Adrian Lewis at the Grand Slam of Darts last year. We hit 30-odd 180s between us. Also, the final of the Premier League against James Wade 2010 when I hit two nine-dart finishes.

Tuilagi out of England series

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England centre Manu Tuilagi has been ruled out of next month's autumn series because of a groin injury, his club Leicester have announced.

Tuilagi limped off after 15 minutes of Saturday's 25-18 Champions Cup victory over Ulster and will now miss the Tests against New Zealand, South Africa, Samoa and Australia.

Phil Taylor Q&A

Iain Morton: If you could be the world champion of any other sport, what would you choose and why?

Phil Taylor: I love boxing and do it a lot. I've got so much respect for boxers and, being friends with some, you see what they have to put in. It's the toughest sport, along with rugby. Tennis and golf too. These are individual sports - like darts. I couldn't see myself in a team.

Neville says United can't win title

Former Manchester United captain Gary Neville says Louis van Gaal's belief that the Reds can still win the Premier League is misplaced.

"At this moment in time this Man United team isn't good enough to win the league," Neville told Sky Sports.

"Louis van Gaal asked for three months when he came in and he's reassessed that. It's a tougher job than he imagined and in the next eight games they've got tough opponents.

"Coming out of the World Cup he was drunk with praise, but I think it's sobered him up slightly."

Phil Taylor Q&A

Peter Shaw: Who's your toughest opponent and why?

Phil Taylor: Over the years, it's been Dennis Priestley, because he was so consistent for so long and very slow thrower. Michael van Gerwen, Adrian Lewis and Raymond van Barneveld are all very good players, but no tougher than Dennis.

Taylor played Priestley in five World Championship finals, winning four.

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Real's Ramos misses out

Already without the injured Gareth Bale, European champions Real Madrid will also have to cope without Sergio Ramos when they face Liverpool.

Ramos has missed the last three games for club and country due to a calf problem, but his absence at Anfield tomorrow is understood to be more of a precautionary measure as Real have one eye on Barcelona's La Liga visit to the Bernabeu at the weekend.

Phil Taylor Q&A

Steve Hatch: Do you think you have another world title in you?

Phil Taylor: Yes, I have, but I've got to time everything right. The Worlds are what I'm after this year, but I've got to get two or three weeks solid practice in before I go there.

Taylor is a 16-time world champion and won his last title in 2013. The 2015 World Championship begins in December.

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Phil Taylor Q&A

Earlier today, we asked you for questions to put to 16-time world darts champion Phil 'The Power' Taylor.

Well, the best of your questions and Phil's answers are coming up....

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Tweetgate rumbles on

Further to West Brom's tweet about Manchester United midfielder Marouane Fellaini during last night's game - "Fellaini has now taken his tracksuit off, fortunately he has a Man Utd strip on underneath" - the Baggies have released a statement about the matter.

"In response to incorrect and mischievous reporting, we would like to clarify that our initial tweet about Marouane Fellaini was made as the player removed his tracksuit top in preparation for his introduction to the game during a period when night-time temperatures were dropping significantly," the club told the Birmingham Mail.

"We are extremely disappointed that our tweet was taken out of context by mischief-makers."

That clears that up then.

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First step to fan-owned clubs

The government and football authorities are to work together to explore ways in which fans can have more say in the running of their clubs.

The Supporter Ownership and Engagement Expert Group will meet in November and is tasked with helping to overcome the barriers to clubs becoming supporter-owned.

Get involved

In light of Arsenal's Lukas Podolski saying hell would freeze over before he joined the Gunners arch-rivals Tottenham, we asked which player from your team's biggest rivals you would want in your side - or is joining your biggest enemy just an absolute no-no?

Here are a couple of early thoughts:

Oscar Webster: As hard as it is to admit, I'd have Scott Brown in my Rangers team any day of the week.

Alando Clemz: I support Arsenal and if hell will have to freeze, it'd be for Mousa Dembele to cross over and man our midfield.

Keep them coming on Twitter at #nevercheatyourclub or post a message on the BBC Sport Facebook page.

Key reappointed Kent skipper

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Kent have announced experienced batsman Rob Key will remain as captain for the 2015 season.

The 35-year-old will head into his ninth season as skipper at Canterbury, having led the side between 2006 and 2012 and then returning to the role last year, replacing James Tredwell.

"It is an honour to lead the club at such an exciting time on and off the field," Key told the club website.

Player dies celebrating goal

Indian football remains in mourning after the death of Bethlehem Vengthlang FC player Peter Biaksangzuala, who died from the injuries he suffered after landing awkwardly while celebrating a goal.

The 23-year-old damaged his spinal cord doing a somersault after scoring an equaliser in a game against Chanmari West FC.

Biaksangzuala was taken to hospital and had surgery, but passed away.

Question of Sport

Today's teaser from the Question of Sport team: Since 2000, Serena Williams has won the WTA Tour Final four times, who are the other seven winners?

Answers later in the afternoon.

Nadal wins in Switzerland

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Rafael Nadal's ongoing appendix problem did not seem to affect him as he eased to a 6-2 6-2 win over Simone Bolelli at the Swiss Indoors.

The former world number one - who has been on a 10-day antibiotics program - secured his first win in three visits to Basel in just 71 minutes.

India to sue West Indies

As well as suspending future tours to the Caribbean, India's cricket board has decided to sue its West Indies counterpart because of the abandoned tour of India.

It said in a statement: "The BCCI (Board of Control for Cricket in India) will initiate legal proceedings against West Indies Cricket Board due to the abrupt cancellation of this tour."

Dan Walker

BBC Sport

"Today's #TuesdayTeamNews is a #LegalXI. Get #LegalXI & #TTN in there somewhere. Go!"

Newcastle star out for another two months

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Newcastle midfielder Siem de Jong has said his rehabilitation from injury will take at least another eight weeks.

De Jong, 25, a Duitch international, was a £6m arrival from Ajax in the summer but he suffered a serious thigh injury just three games into his Magpies career.

Smith earns Wales call-up

Young Ospreys prop Nicky Smith, 20, is the only uncapped player in Warren Gatland's 34-man Wales squad for the autumn internationals.

Adam Jones - Wales' 95-times capped prop - Gloucester back James Hook, Bristol lock Ian Evans and Ospreys wing Eli Walker miss out.

Wales play Australia, Fiji, New Zealand and South Africa in November.

Oscar Pistorius reaction

A statement from the International Olympic Committee (IOC) on Oscar Pistorius, who has been sentenced to five years in jail for killing his girlfriend Reeva Steenkamp.

"We take note of the court's decision. This is a human tragedy for the family of Reeva Steenkamp and also for Oscar Pistorius. We hope very much that time will bring comfort to all those concerned but at this stage we have no further comment to make."

Apology over 'Williams brothers' remark

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Russian Tennis Federation president Shamil Tarpischev has been forced to apologise for his slur against the Williams sisters, Serena and Venus.

The International Tennis Federation came under fire from Martina Navratilova for failing to act after Tarpischev described the Williams' as "brothers".

But ITF president Francesco Ricci Bitti today told PA news agency: "He has taken an important step by sending his apology to the ITF, the WTA and to the Williams sisters."

Oscar Pistorius reaction

Craig Spence, director of Communications for the International Paralympic Committee, told BBC World News: "Regardless of whether Oscar Pistorius comes back or not, the Paralympic movement goes from strength to strength.

"He did so much for the Paralympic movement when he made his debut in Athens in 2004, but London 2012 showed the world that the Paralympic movement wasn't about one athlete.

Asked what he would say to Pistorius about a potential return after his ban has been served, Spence said: "I would say it is purely his decision.

"At the moment we have got lots of athletes training for the Rio 2016 Games and we want to make that the most successful ever."

Mowbray's no comment on Birmingham

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Tony Mowbray says he is ready to return to management but would not be drawn on the vacant job at Birmingham.

The Blues, who travel to Blackburn tonight, parted company with Lee Clark yesterday.

Mowbray, 50, who has been out of work for a year after being sacked by Middlesbrough, said: "I'm ready to get back to work but you have to make sure it's the right job. If you choose the wrong one, you could be out of work again in six months or a year. I need to have a look at the situation."

Get involved

Right, you've had it easy so far but not for much longer.

It is time for you to join in and today we are taking inspiration from Arsenal star Lukas Podolski and his comment that hell would have to freeze over before he'd join the Gunner's arch-rivals Tottenham.

Plenty have done the unthinkable and joined rivals clubs - Carlos Tevez, Sol Campbell, Peter Beardsley, Denis Law.

So we want to know who you support and which player from your team's biggest rivals you want in your side, or is joining your biggest enemy just an absolute no-no?

Tweet us - in Podolski's words - at #nevercheatyourclub or post a message on the BBC Sport Facebook page.

Oscar Pistorius reaction

BBC Radio 5 live

South African journalist Nastasya Tay: "We've heard from Oscar Pistorius's uncle that they won't be appealing against the sentence. We had a brief chat with the prosecutors, who said they are still making up their minds.

"Friends of Reeva Steenkamp say this takes them one step nearer to closure, while the family lawyer says justice has been done.

"There's been so much speculation as to whether his profile would affect the verdict and sentencing. It does seem that this verdict with satisfy the South African public, it's very balanced. There would have been outcry if he had not been given a custodial sentence."

Bale out of Liverpool game

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It is Champions League time again tonight with Manchester City facing CSKA Moscow at 17:00 and Chelsea taking on NK Maribor at 19.45.

Tomorrow Arsenal are in Anderlecht, while Liverpool host Real Madrid.

Some early team news for the game at Anfield, with confirmation that Gareth Bale has been left out of the Spanish club's squad.

The Welsh international and world's most expensive player has a muscle injury.

Ireland setback

Ireland suffered a 117-run defeat at the hands of Canterbury in their penultimate tour match in New Zealand.

Ireland complete their eight-game World Cup warm-up tour on Thursday against Otago at the same venue.

Espinoza wants to leave Wigan

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Wigan Athletic midfielder Roger Espinoza wants to leave the club for family reasons, according to manager Uwe Rosler.

The Honduran international, 27, has started just one game so far this season, in the League Cup loss at Burton.

Espinoza's family are in the USA and Rosler told BBC Radio Manchester: "I think after he came back after the World Cup he struggled to find an appetite for football.

"He came back and wanted to go back to Kansas, he was homesick."

BBC News Africa correspondent Andrew Harding: Just spoke to Barry and June Steenkamp. Both happy with sentence and relieved it is over. Am told Pistorius will be released after 10 months.

Arsenal cleared

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Arsenal will not face charges over flares thrown on the pitch in their Champions League game with Galatasaray after Uefa dropped disciplinary action.

European football's governing body have fined Galatasaray £39,570 for their part in the disturbance.

Dan Roan

BBC sports editor

'IPC confirm to me they will not allow Oscar Pistorius to run at any of their events, including Rio 2016 Games, for five years, even if he's released early'.

Night time kick-offs at World Cup?

Sounds as if the sleeping patterns of players and spectators at the World Cup in Qatar in 2022 might be a little unorthodox.

One senior football official has told the BBC that some games will kick off at 1am and finish at 3.30am to avoid the worst of the heat.

BBC sports editor Dan Roan's story here.

Woosnam misses the cut

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Dame Laura Davies has been inducted into the World Golf Hall of Fame but fellow Briton Ian Woosnam has again missed out.

BBC Sport's golf correspondent Iain Carter wonders what the Welsh wizard, winner of the 1991 Masters, has to do to make the cut.

Full story here.

Oscar Pistorius latest

Judge Masipa said the decision to sentence Oscar Pistorius to five years in jail was hers and hers alone.

She said: "Sentencing is about achieving the right balance. Sentencing is not a perfect exercise."

She said there must be a balance between retribution, deterrence and rehabilitation.

Chelsea sign 13-year-old

Speaking of Gossip, today's edition includes news of Manchester United's £20m move to bring Barcelona defender Gerard Pique back to Old Trafford and how Chelsea have hired a promising 13-year-old French goalkeeper from FC Poitiers.

All that and more here.

Podolski rules out Spurs switch

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Arsenal forward Lukas Podolski has taken to Twitter to dismiss transfer speculation linking him with a £10m move to Tottenham Hotspur.

Responded to a BBC Sport tweet promoting the Gossip column, the German World Cup winner tweeted: "Hell will freeze over before this transfer would happen."

Kind of rules that one out then.

Oscar Pistorius latest

For all the reaction to the sentencing of Oscar Pistorius, go to the BBC's live feed here.

BreakingPistorius jailed for five years

Judge Masipa sentences Oscar Pistorius to five years imprisonment on the first count. On the second count - a firearms offence - he is sentenced to three years, suspended.

Hartson's MOTD comments 'unacceptable'

Stoke chairman Peter Coates has said BBC pundit John Hartson's criticism of Potters winger Victor Moses on Match of the Day 2 was "unacceptable".

Hartson said Moses "cheated" to win a penalty in Stoke's 2-1 win over Swansea on Sunday.

"He (Hartson) spoke like what he probably is - a Swansea fan," Coates told BBC Radio 5 live.

India-West Indies row latest

India's cricket chiefs have suspended future tours to the Caribbean following the West Indies' decision to abandon their visit to India last week.

"All bilateral tours between BCCI (Board of Control for Cricket in India) and the WICB (West Indies Cricket Board) stand suspended," BCCI secretary Sanjay Patel said in a statement, the news agency AFP report.

India were scheduled to tour the Caribbean in February and March 2016.

Happy birthday Geoffrey

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One of England's greatest ever cricketers, Geoffrey Boycott, celebrates his 74th birthday today.

An opening batsman for Yorkshire, he went on to play 108 Test matches for England, scoring more than 8,000 runs, including 22 centuries.

In his entire first class career, he scored 151 centuries.

In recent years, he has become one of the signature voices of the BBC's Test Match Special coverage.

Chance to quiz The Power

We have 16-time world darts champion Phil The Power Taylor in the office this morning and we are offering you the chance to quiz him.

Tweet your question to #bbcsportsday but get a move on - he's arriving at 09:30 BST.

Tweeting mishaps

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Those behind Sunderland's Twitter account posted this seemingly innocent message on Friday.

"John O'Shea is looking to continue SAFC's strong defensive record tomorrow".

A little unfortunate that 24 hours later O'Shea and his Sunderland team-mates were on the wrong end of an 8-0 stuffing at Southampton.

Oops.

Tweeting mishaps

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Before their Champions League tie against Roma at the start of the month, Manchester City wrote on their official Twitter account: "We're looking forward to hosting you @OfficialASRoma and a legendary player such as Totti. He's never scored in England, has he?"

That backfired somewhat as Totti, rather inevitably, bagged to earn Roma an important point.

"City's tweet?" said Totti afterwards. "It really brought me luck."

Tweeting mishaps

While we are on the topic of misguided tweets (see West Brom's Fellaini dig, 08:23), here are another couple that spring to mind...

Tuesday's back pages

Daily Star

The Daily Star's headline ... well it had to be didn't it? Plus there is Champions League news involving Yaya Toure and Gareth Bale.

La Liga coach sacked

La Liga strugglers Levante have sacked coach Jose Luis Mendilibar after just two months in charge following their 5-0 thrashing against Real Madrid on Saturday.

The 53-year-old managed just one win in eight games in charge, leaving the Valencian side second bottom of the table.

Tuesday's back pages

Daily Mirror

The Daily Mirror says Daley Blind's equaliser in the draw at West Brom 'spares Louis Van Gaal's blushes'.

Skipper ruled out

James Graham will lead England in the opening match of the Four Nations Series against Samoa in Brisbane on Saturday after newly-appointed captain Sean O'Loughlin was ruled out through injury.

O'Loughlin, appointed as the successor to Kevin Sinfield, has not recovered from the quad muscle injury he picked up during Wigan's Super League Grand Final defeat to St Helens 10 days ago.

Meanwhile, Samoa go into the game - their Four Nations debut - under something of a cloud with three players left out of the squad after an incident in a nightclub in Brisbane over the weekend.

'I'm not overweight' - Taarabt

Andy Hooper/Mail Online

Adel Taarabt has hit back at manager Harry Redknapp's claims that he is "three stone overweight".

The QPR midfielder posed for these photos in the Daily Mail and said: "It's not true to say I'm not fit".

Judging by this photo, I wish I was three stone overweight too.

Tuesday's back pages

Independent

Let's have a look at some of the morning's back pages. As well as news of the West Brom-Manchester United game, The Independent goes with a story about a World Cup official who has said that racism is not a problem in Russia.

Fellaini tweet causes anger

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As if conceding right at the death wasn't bad enough for West Brom, they have come in for stick for a tweet made from the club account during the game.

As Man United midfielder Marouane Fellaini was about to come on, West Brom posted the message: "Fellaini has now taken his tracksuit off, fortunately he has a Man Utd strip on underneath."

Albion denied it was a dig at Fellaini but it annoyed United's reserve keeper Anders Lindegaard, who later tweeted: "Complete lack of knowledge, class and respect on Twitter from @WBAFCofficial on Fellaini".

The Belgian did his talking on the pitch, scoring his first goal for United, a screamer, as United fought back to win a point.

South Africa complete victory

Some sporting news from overnight. Captain A de Villiers top-scored with an unbeaten 89 as South Africa completed a six-wicket win over New Zealand in a limited-overs cricket international to take a 1-0 lead in the three-match series.

Our best yet, claims Van Gaal

Despite the failure to get three points and record a first away win, Louis Van Gaal claims Man United produced their best display of the season at West Brom.

"I'm disappointed because we played our best match of the season and the result is not good enough," said the 63-year-old.

"We could have won but that does not count in our world."

United strike late to deny Baggies

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Manchester United remain without a Premier League away win under Louis van Gaal after their 2-2 draw at West Brom.

But it could have been worse, with the Red Devils salvaging a point thanks to a late Daley Blind leveller.

The draw means United are unbeaten in three games and have one more point after eight games than they did last season in a campaign which saw David Moyes sacked as manager for underachieving.

Another Sportsday begins

Morning. It is cold, wet and very windy. But don't fret - we are here to warm the cockles of your sporting heart with all the breaking news, including the build up to tonight's Champion League games involving Chelsea and Manchester City.

There is also the latest on the sentencing of Oscar Pistorius.

But first, a look at last night's Premier League action, when an impressive West Brom came within a whisker of inflicting another defeat on Louis Van Gaal's stuttering Manchester United.